Today's COVID-19 Update for District 15

Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 03/17/2020 12:31 PM PDT

COVID-19 UPDATE

LATEST NEWS: Governor Kate Brown has enacted new rules in regards to the coronavirus. All that is posted below is effective from today (3/17/2020) for four weeks:

The practice of social distancing is now 25 persons (most stores including grocers and pharmacies will be exempt).

Restaurants must do carry out or delivery only with NO dine in or on site consumption (non compliance will lead to a Class C Misdemeanor).

All businesses should evaluate social distancing practices.

A committee/group will be formed for mitigation of economic impact of these decisions. Gov. Brown says she's convening a council on economic relief for those affected by covid19: "We want to make sure Oregon families have the resources they need to pay rent/mortgage, and purchase essentials."

Metro area hospitals will act as a unified health system to increase bed capacity and private entities will be opened for bed capacity

As for schools: Gov. Brown previously ordered schools closed through March 31. She now says she's "reevaluating" the length of that, considering her cancellation of gatherings of 25+ for four weeks.

SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE ON CORONVIRUS RESPONSE - FIRST MEETING

SALEM, ORE. - The Special Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response has announced its first public meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 10 a.m.

The committee, which House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate President Peter Courtney formed last week, will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to protect the legislators and staff participating in the meeting.

Committee members will receive online and remote public testimony. The committee will only hear invited testimony during the meeting. Members of the public can submit ideas, feedback and testimony via email to jscvr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov by 5 p.m. Wednesday (Again,I encourage you to email this committee if your business is affected by anything coronavirus related).

Written testimony will be posted on OLIS and the committee meeting will be livestreamed on OLIS. Members of the media are encouraged to stream the hearing online and contact Danny Moran or Lisa Taylor with any follow up questions.

The committee is charged with the following tasks:

• Identify actions to support low-income and vulnerable Oregonians and small businesses as they comply with public health guidance. These actions could include short-term economic relief, protection from housing instability, support for those not eligible for state programs (such as sick leave and unemployment insurance) and more.

• Monitor public health strategies and response for COVID-19 and consider additional statutory changes to assist with the public health emergency.

• Make timely budget and policy recommendations to the Legislature.

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UTILITY ASSISTANCE

A huge thanks to all the companies stepping up to help in this crisis!

Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, Northwest Natural Gas, and the Portland Water Bureau will all temporarily stop service disconnections for non-payment of bills. Comcast is offering free internet access for some families for the next 60 days.

COMMUNITY FOOD AND FOOD BANK RESOURCES

Please consider making contributions to these groups, as they will be needing extra assistance to serve our communities.

COVID-19 FACTS

The Oregon Health Authority – OHA: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus211Info is an excellent source of information about resources and benefits, and they are also ready to answer your questions about coronavirus. They are open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. by phone (call 211), text (text your ZIP code to 898211) or email (help@211info.org).

While “social distancing” is recommended at this time, social cohesion is also necessary. There are many vulnerable and isolated members of our communities that were already struggling before the coronavirus pandemic. We need to step up to support those in need, consistent with public health recommendations.

Together, we will get through this public health emergency, Oregonians. Please do not panic or hoard (pleeeaase). Be kind to one another and reach out if you or a loved one need assistance.